COMMOTION IN PARLIAMENT

Parliamentary sittings were suspended for a brief period after a tense situation arose when some Opposition MPs removed the mace after a dispute over the list of speakers who were to speak during the debate on the UN Human Rights Commission resolution last afternoon.

The tense situation arose when Opposition MP Wimal Weerawansa objected to the manner in which the debate was being conducted, as government MPs were given to speak instead of the common practice of alternating between Government and Opposition MPs.

Then MP Dinesh Gunawardane joined in the crosstalk.

MP Mujibur Rahman, who was in the chair, said he was following the list which was given to him. It was revealed that Mr Weerawansa’s name was at the bottom of the list.

Mr Rahman had to suspend the sittings for a brief period due to a tense situation that arose when some MPs removed the mace. Serjeant-at-Arms Anil Amarasekera, who rushed to the well, saw to it that the mace was replaced in its proper place.

Later when sittings were resumed, Mr Weerawansa was given an opportunity to speak.

Mr Gunawardane who rose when the sittings were resumed apologised for preventing Minister Swaminathan from speaking, as the Opposition had earlier objected when the minister was allowed to speak.